The John Clar Papers are very extensive and detailed about Clar's life. They also include letters and poems written by his
children and grandchildren. There are 13 letters, nine notices, one affidavit, one permit, one pamphlet, one envelope, and
one newspaper clipping from various locations (San Francisco, Santa Barbara County, Marin County, Napa, Spain, Boston) and
various dates (1813-1884, and one letter from 1968).

Background

John Clar did many different things in his lifetime, and he is considered a "pioneer of pioneers." He was fluent in eight
languages, and he traveled all over the world. He was a poet and a guitar player. He was born in Mahón, on the island of
Minorca, in Spain on May 13, 1813. He attended the Royal Naval Academy in San Fernando, Spain. At the age of 18, he was appointed
Navigator of the Seas.